Do You Need a Passport to Go to Mexico? [2026 Guide]
Passport, visa, and entry requirements for US citizens traveling to Mexico by air or land in 2026
Where
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Mexico?
Yes, you need a passport to go to Mexico. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly to Mexico. If you are crossing the border by land or sea, a passport card is also accepted.
Mexico is an independent country, and all travelers entering by air must present a passport book at check-in and upon arrival at Mexican immigration. No visa is required for tourist stays up to 180 days, but you will receive an FMM tourist permit.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | Yes (air) | Required for all flights to Mexico |
| US Passport Card | Land/sea only | Accepted at land borders and sea ports, not airports |
| REAL ID | No | Not valid for international travel |
| Driver's License | No | Not accepted as a travel document to Mexico |
| Enhanced Driver's License | Land only | Accepted at land borders in some states (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA) |
| Birth Certificate | No | Not accepted for adults entering Mexico |
| Visa | No | US citizens can stay up to 180 days without a visa |
| FMM Tourist Permit | Yes | Free for short border-zone stays; fee for longer visits |
Passport Book vs Passport Card for Mexico
Document Requirements at a Glance
For US citizens traveling to Mexico in 2026, a passport is required in most situations. A passport book is mandatory for all flights, while a passport card can be used for land and sea crossings. REAL ID and standard driver’s licenses are not valid for international entry into Mexico.
Adults must use a passport book or card (where allowed); birth certificates alone are not accepted for adult entry. Children need their own passports for air travel, and a passport card is acceptable at land borders. An FMM tourist permit is required for most visitors, though it may be included in your airfare or issued free for very short border-zone visits.
Passport Book vs Passport Card for Mexico
The US passport book is the most flexible document and is required for any flight to or from Mexico. It also works at land borders and sea ports. The passport card is cheaper and wallet-sized but is only valid for land and sea travel between the US, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
If you plan to fly to destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, or Guadalajara, you must have a passport book. If you live near the border and frequently cross by car or on foot, a passport card can be a convenient, lower-cost option for land crossings.
Quick Travel Facts for Mexico
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico and typically receive an FMM tourist permit on arrival. No visa is required for tourism stays up to 180 days. Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, but many travelers prefer at least six months of validity as a buffer.
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN), and Spanish is the primary language. The country spans multiple time zones, mainly Central, Mountain, and Pacific. From major US cities, nonstop flights are relatively short—around 5 hours from New York City and 3.5 hours from Los Angeles—with typical round-trip fares in the $250–$500 range during most of the year.
The best time to visit many Mexican beach destinations is during the dry season from December through April, when humidity and rain are lower and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Visa and Entry Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism stays of up to 180 days. Instead, you receive an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) tourist permit, which records your entry and the length of your authorized stay.
For air travelers, the FMM fee is usually bundled into your airline ticket and handled electronically, though some airports still issue paper forms. At land borders, the FMM is free for stays under seven days within the border zone (roughly 20–30 km from the border). For longer stays or travel beyond the border zone, you must pay a fee of about 575 MXN (around $35 USD).
On arrival, Mexican immigration officers may ask to see your valid US passport book, proof of return or onward travel, and proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation or address of where you will stay. They can also ask about your travel plans and financial means for your stay.
Driving to Mexico from the US
If you are driving into Mexico, you can use either a US passport book or passport card at land border crossings. Enhanced driver’s licenses from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are also accepted for land entry, but they are not valid for air travel.
To drive beyond the border zone (typically 20–30 km from the border), you need a temporary vehicle import permit from Mexican customs (Banjercito). This requires your vehicle title or registration, a valid driver’s license, your passport, and a refundable deposit charged to a credit card.
Mexican auto insurance is mandatory, and most US auto policies do not cover you in Mexico. You should purchase Mexican auto insurance before you cross the border, either online or near the border, to ensure you are legally covered in case of an accident.
Traveling with Children to Mexico
All children, including infants, need their own US passport book to fly to Mexico. At land borders, a passport card is also accepted for minors, but a passport book remains the most flexible option.
Mexico enforces strict rules for children traveling with only one parent or without their parents. If a child travels with just one parent, Mexican immigration may request a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent, along with the child’s birth certificate and a copy of the absent parent’s ID.
These rules are especially enforced for Mexican-citizen children but can be applied to any minor. Carrying a notarized consent letter and supporting documents helps avoid delays or potential denial of entry.
How to Get a US Passport Fast
Standard processing for a new adult US passport book typically takes about 6–8 weeks and costs $130 in government fees. This is the most economical option if you are planning your Mexico trip well in advance.
If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited service, which usually reduces processing time to around 2–3 weeks. For urgent travel within 14 days, you may be able to get a same-day or very fast appointment at a regional passport agency by providing proof of imminent travel.
A passport card costs $30 and follows the same processing timelines as the passport book. Remember that the card cannot be used for flights, so if you plan to fly to Mexico now or in the future, prioritize getting a passport book.
Money, Transport, and Safety Tips in Mexico
US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, but you will usually get a better rate paying in Mexican pesos. ATMs in banks and reputable areas generally offer the best exchange rates, while airport exchange counters tend to be more expensive.
Tipping is customary: plan on 10–15% at restaurants (check if a service charge or propina is already included), 20–50 MXN per night for hotel housekeeping, and 10–15% for taxi drivers on longer rides. Small bills and coins are helpful for everyday tips.
In many cities, rideshare apps like Uber and DiDi operate and can be safer and cheaper than hailing street taxis. In resort areas, hotel shuttles, pre-booked transfers, and colectivos (shared vans) are common ways to get around. Always confirm prices in advance and use official taxi stands or reputable apps when possible.
Booking Flights and Hotels for Your Mexico Trip
Popular Mexican airports for US travelers include Cancun (CUN), Mexico City (MEX), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Los Cabos (SJD), and Guadalajara (GDL). Multiple US and Mexican airlines operate nonstop and connecting routes, giving you flexibility on price and schedule.
You can search and compare flights from airlines like American, United, Delta, Volaris, VivaAerobus, and Aeromexico on Travorio. For accommodations, Travorio also offers pay-later hotel options, including the ability to split your stay into four interest-free payments with Sezzle or pay with cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly to Mexico. Passport cards, REAL ID, and driver’s licenses are not accepted for air travel.
Yes, but only for land and sea travel. A US passport card is accepted at land border crossings and sea ports between the US and Mexico. It cannot be used for flights.
No visa is required for US citizens visiting Mexico for tourism for up to 180 days. You will receive an FMM tourist permit instead, often included in your airfare for flights.
Your US passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico. While Mexico does not require six months of validity, many travelers prefer to have extra time remaining as a safety margin.
No. A standard US driver’s license or REAL ID alone is not enough to enter Mexico. You need a passport book, passport card, or an approved enhanced driver’s license from MI, MN, NY, VT, or WA for land entry.
Yes. All children, including infants, need their own US passport book to fly to Mexico. For land crossings, a passport card is also accepted for minors, but a passport book is still recommended.
The FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) is a tourist permit that records your entry into Mexico and the length of your authorized stay, up to 180 days. Air travelers usually have the fee included in their ticket, while land travelers may pay separately for longer stays or travel beyond the border zone.
Generally no. Most US auto insurance policies do not cover you in Mexico. Mexican auto insurance is required by law, so you should purchase a Mexican policy before driving across the border.
In major tourist areas, many businesses accept US dollars, but you will usually get a better rate paying in Mexican pesos. Using ATMs to withdraw pesos typically offers the best exchange rate.
If you overstay the period authorized on your FMM, you may be fined and delayed when leaving Mexico. In serious cases, it can affect future entries. Always respect the dates stamped or recorded on your permit.